Terry Riley

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Peter “Terry” Riley, age 81, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away at 9:35 a.m. Saturday, November 5, 2016 at his home.

He was born on March 7, 1935 in Chippewa County, Wisconsin to Peter J. and Anna Riley.

Terry graduated in 1953 from New Richmond High School in New Richmond, Wisconsin and from St. Thomas College in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1957.

He was employed by White Consolidated Industries in St. Cloud, Minnesota when in 1979 he was transferred to King Press Corporation in Joplin, Missouri. Terry was Vice President of Finance until his retirement in 2000.

Terry married the love of his life, Helen Garske of New Richmond, Wisconsin on August 24, 1957. Helen survives at the home. He is also survived by six children, Thomas Riley and wife Judy, Pierz, Minnesota, Patrick Riley and wife Beverly, St. Cloud, Minnesota, Paul Riley, Joplin, Missouri, Ann Payne, Joplin, Missouri, Kathleen Gentzler and husband Kevin, Leavenworth, Kansas, Kevin Riley and wife Hilary, Webb City, Missouri; one sister, Rita Riley, New Richmond, Wisconsin; 14 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Terry had many hobbies and enjoyments in his life. As the father of three young boys in the 1970’s Terry was an active Boy Scout leader and was instrumental in the development of the youth hockey program in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He enjoyed camping and fishing with his family. He was a woodcrafter and made many pieces for family and friends. He also enjoyed playing golf with his golf buddies every Tuesday for many years.

Terry was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a 36 year member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a past Grand Knight and a past District Deputy for the Knights of Columbus. He was a past member of the Rotary Club in St. Cloud, Minnesota and Joplin, Missouri and a 16 year member of the Mended Hearts Club.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 10, 2016 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Fr. Justin Monaghan officiating. Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Webb City, Missouri. A prayer service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary with a time of visitation following until 7:30 p.m.

Contributions are requested to St. Mary’s Catholic School and may be sent in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary.